Celebrate Deere-Wiman as formal landmark
The city of Moline has its 13th local historic landmark, as the Moline City Council has adopted designation of the Deere-Wiman property, Deere-Wiman House and its Carriage House, and grounds, as a city landmark.
A ceremony to recognize this honor is planned for 1 p.m. on Friday, May 31st. The public is invited to take part by meeting at the 11th Avenue entrance to Deere-Wiman House, 817 11th Ave., Moline.
The William Butterworth Foundation, owner of the property, applied early this year to the city for landmark status, according to a Thursday foundation release. After an extensive vetting process by the Moline Historic Preservation Commission, the Deere-Wiman property was approved for this prestigious status, based on six criteria established by the commission that recognizes historic and architectural significance in the community, the release said.
“The Moline Historic Preservation Commission is elated that the William Butterworth Foundation has chosen to landmark this iconic property,” said
Dick Potter, chair of the Moline Historic Preservation Commission. “This is one of the most significant historic properties in the city of Moline and a fitting occasion to celebrate Historic Preservation month.”
The home was built in 1872 (the same year that the city of Moline was incorporated) for the family of Charles Deere, president of John Deere from 1886 – 1907, and son of the company founder. Deere hired prominent Chicago architect William LeBaron Jenny to design both the house and grounds. Until 1976, the house was home to four generations of John Deere descendants.
Pattie Wiman, wife of Charles Deere Wiman, willed the site to the William Butterworth Foundation in 1976 to join nearby Butterworth Center in supporting community services, arts and culture, and lifelong learning. The Foundation accepted the gift to save this significant site, although her estate included no additional funds for its operation.
Today, the Deere-Wiman property serves as a community center for celebrating local history and education for all ages through year-round programming and special events.
“Historic landmark status will ensure that we provide the best long-term care for the Deere-Wiman property to keep alive for future Quad Citians the Deere family’s history and contributions to our area,” said Butterworth Foundation executive director Heather Calvert.
A large wedding gift
The William Butterworth Foundation manages two historic properties: Butterworth Center, 1105 8th St., Moline, and Deere-Wiman House, 817 11th Ave., Moline. The former was built in 1892 by Charles Deere as a wedding gift for his daughter Katherine and her husband.
In 1951, Katherine Butterworth established the charitable trust in honor of her late husband, Willam Butterworth. Katherine was John Deere’s granddaughter and William was Deere & Co.’s president from 1907 to 1928. In 1928, he retired and became the first chairman of Deere’s board, a position he held until his death in 1936. In 1956, Butterworth Center was opened for community use.
There is a current $3.2-million fundraising campaign for Deere-Wiman House aimed to restore interiors, exteriors, and grounds, provide better community use and accessibility, water mitigation, Carriage House improvements, and programming and outreach support.
About $2.2 million has been raised so far, Calvert, noting the scale of renovations may be scaled back if the financial goal isn’t met. The foundation did recently get $40,000 from the Moline Regional Community Foundation over two years for the improvements to the living room, including new carpeting and drapes.
While the Butterworth Foundation has $30 million in assets, it can only draw a small percentage of investment income each year for operations and do not get operational funding from Deere & Company, the city or other governments.
Of the other 12 Moline historic landmarks, the 1892 Butterworth Center is not one. The last historic landmark approved by the city was in 2022, for the 1932 former Skelly gasoline service station, at 820 5th Ave.
Calvert said the foundation did not apply for landmark status for the Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman together since they wanted to designate one building first, and it’s the latter that’s getting the most attention currently.
Landmark status will not affect interior renovations, but the Deere-Wiman House will need Historic Preservation Commission approval to do exterior work (like retaining wall, downspouts and driveway repairs), Calvert said.
For more information about the wide range of services and programs offered at these historic houses, call 309-743-2700, or click HERE.
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